Hap grew up in Nelson waterskiing and playing cricket and football. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Otago, he wanted to make the most of his twenties and see the world – like many other young Kiwis. He then set the ambitious goal of living and working in every continent of the world before his 30th birthday.

He started off as a 20 year old on the Gold Coast of Australia, where he worked 60 hours a week sanding wood in a factory.

Nine years of highs and lows, laughter and tears later he celebrated his 30th birthday on top of Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. He had achieved his goal – having lived on 7 continents and working 32 jobs.

He released the book “Hap Working the World” in 2012 and it was an instant success. Hap is married to Mandy.